What if your worst day became the beginning of your best life? At just 9 years old, John O’Leary was burned on 100% of his body in a gasoline explosion—and given a 1% chance to live. But instead of giving up, he chose to fight. And then he chose to lead.

In this raw and powerful conversation, John opens up about the explosion that changed everything, the quiet heroes who helped him through the darkness. We dive into how John wrestled with pain, purpose, and the daily decision to live as a victor, not a victim. As his dad once asked him: “Why not you?” That question became the cornerstone of John’s mission to inspire others to live boldly, love deeply, and find meaning in their own scars.

• A surprise 8-second hospital visit from Hall of Fame broadcaster Jack Buck that changed everything
• The brutal but life-giving encouragement from "Nurse Roy" during agonizing treatments
• The powerful question from his father that shattered his victim mindset: “Why not you?”
• How John transformed trauma into a mission—and why he wouldn’t change a thing
• The story behind his upcoming feature film, Soul on Fire (in theaters Oct. 10)

John’s message isn’t just about survival, it’s about choosing significance over success, turning pain into purpose, and becoming a light in someone else’s darkness.

If you're navigating struggle, burnout, or just craving real inspiration this conversation will change how you see your own story.

🎬 Don’t miss the upcoming film “Soul on Fire,” based on John’s life, premiering nationwide October 10th.

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